President awards five representatives of the Estonian University of Life Sciences with state decorations

Among the recipients are several researchers from the Estonian University of Life Sciences whose contributions have been significant to the development of science, education, and society. President Alar Karis stated that the decorations recognise people from various walks of life in Estonia, as well as Estonia’s friends and supporters abroad, for their dedication and care in their professional work or within their communities.

The Chairman of the Council of the Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tarmo Soomere, will receive the Order of the National Coat of Arms, Class III, for his contribution to the advancement of scientific life. Tarmo Soomere is a marine scientist and mathematician, a member of the Estonian Academy of Sciences, and served as President of the Academy from 2014 to 2024.

The Order of the White Star, Class IV, will be awarded to Endla Reintam, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs of the Estonian University of Life Sciences and Professor of Soil Ecology, whose work has had a strong impact on the development of soil science as well as on the quality of higher education. The Order of the White Star, Class IV, will also be conferred on Rando Värnik, Professor of Rural Economics at the Estonian University of Life Sciences, a prominent advocate for regional development and food security.

Recipients of the Order of the White Star, Class V, include Toivo Univer, fruit science researcher and plant breeder at the Polli Horticultural Research Centre of the Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, whose research has made a significant contribution to the development of fruit growing in Estonia.

The same decoration will also be awarded to ornithologist Leho Luigujõe, Chief Specialist at the Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences of the Estonian University of Life Sciences, whose work has contributed to the study and conservation of Estonia’s natural environment and birdlife.

“Each of them has made outstanding contributions both to our university and to the fields of food production, environmental protection, and nature conservation in Estonia. They are internationally recognised, and the Estonian University of Life Sciences is grateful to them and proud of their achievements,” said Rector Ülle Jaakma.

In addition to representatives of the University of Life Sciences, a wide range of Estonian scientists, educators, cultural figures, medical professionals, entrepreneurs, contributors to national defence and internal security, and community leaders were recognised this year.

The President of the Republic will present the state decorations on 14 February at the Ukuaru Music Hall in Rakvere, beginning at 1:00 p.m. The ceremony will be broadcast on Estonian Public Broadcasting television on 24 February.